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BC Class 6 / 8 Motorcycle overview

BC Class 6 / 8 Motorcycle: Carrying a passenger

When you may carry a passenger, how a passenger changes handling, adjusting the motorcycle, keeping a passenger safe, and how to be a safe passenger.

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Carrying a passenger · Question 1Score 0/0

A friend can't reach the passenger footpegs. What should you do?

Study reference: Learn to Ride Smart (ICBC, March 2026 edition), Ch. 8 Personal strategies — Passengers, carrying passengers, taking responsibility for passengers, pp. 122–124

All 12 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. A friend can't reach the passenger footpegs. What should you do?

    1. Let them hold their feet up
    2. Carry them on short trips only
    3. Don't carry them
    4. Let them rest feet on the exhaust

  2. How much riding experience do experts suggest before carrying a passenger?

    1. About 500 km
    2. One full season
    3. About 10,000 km
    4. About 2,500 km

  3. What must every passenger wear?

    1. A seat belt
    2. A high-visibility vest only, with no other gear
    3. An approved motorcycle helmet
    4. Sunglasses

  4. How does a passenger usually change the way a motorcycle handles?

    1. Faster acceleration and shorter braking
    2. No change if the passenger is light
    3. Slower acceleration and longer braking
    4. Lighter steering at low speed

  5. What should you check on the tires before carrying a passenger?

    1. Only the tread depth on the front tire
    2. Nothing, since tires don't need any changes for weight
    3. Pressure for the extra load, per the manual
    4. The colour of the valve caps

  6. Whose safety are you responsible for when carrying a passenger?

    1. Only your own
    2. Neither; the passenger rides at own risk
    3. Your passenger's as well as your own
    4. Only the passenger's

  7. May you carry a passenger with a Class 6L or 8L learner's licence?

    1. No
    2. Yes, if they are over 19
    3. Yes, after the skills test
    4. Yes, in daylight only

  8. Why should a passenger keep their legs away from the exhaust?

    1. To avoid burns
    2. To keep the bike balanced
    3. To protect the chain
    4. To reduce wind noise

  9. Where should a passenger hold on?

    1. The rear fender or tail light
    2. The rider's waist or the grab rail
    3. The rider's shoulders or the back of the helmet
    4. The ends of the handlebars

  10. How should a passenger behave on a moving motorcycle?

    1. Sit still, feet on the pegs, lean with the bike
    2. Stand up on the pegs over bumps
    3. Lean the opposite way in every curve
    4. Turn around to watch traffic behind

  11. When should you adjust the mirrors for a ride with a passenger?

    1. After you and the passenger are seated
    2. Only when you ride at night
    3. Only if the passenger is taller than you
    4. Before the passenger arrives at the bike

  12. You take your road test on a motorcycle of 200 cc or less. What restriction goes on your licence?

    1. Scooters only
    2. No passengers
    3. Maximum 60 km/h
    4. Daylight riding only

Carrying a passenger: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Passengers, pp. 122–124

  • You may not carry a passenger on a learner's licence or on a Class 6 or 8 licence with a passenger restriction.
  • Experts suggest about 2,500 km of riding experience before carrying a passenger.
  • A passenger means slower acceleration, longer braking distances, turns disturbed if the passenger leans unexpectedly, and less balance, especially at low speed.
  • Before carrying a passenger, check tire pressure for the extra load (owner's manual), adjust the suspension, re-aim the headlight if needed, and adjust mirrors once both of you are seated.
  • You are responsible for your passenger's safety.
  • Only carry a passenger who can sit safely behind you with feet reaching the footpegs or floorboards.
  • The passenger must wear an approved motorcycle helmet, plus protective, bright clothing and footwear.
  • Tell the passenger to keep feet on the pegs, sit still and never get off while the motorcycle is moving.
  • Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration; ride slower, especially in turns and curves.
  • A safe passenger sits facing forward astride the seat, keeps both feet on the passenger pegs and holds the rider's waist or the grab rail, tightening the hold when starting, stopping or making sudden moves.
  • The passenger keeps legs away from the hot exhaust, doesn't turn around or lean out to look ahead, and leans with the motorcycle.
  • Agree beforehand on a signal the passenger can use to ask you to stop.

Licence restrictions about passengers, pp. 160–163

  • Class 8L and Class 6L learners may not carry passengers.
  • Taking the road test on a motorcycle of 200 cc or less restricts you from carrying passengers.

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